This spring Jan and John Atkinson hosted me in San Diego. I just received word from them that their son Rob died last week. He was crossing the road when a car hit him.
I did not know Robert, but I was blessed to share more life experiences with his parents, in just brief moments, than some people I’ve known my entire life. Their love of Robert helped to transmit his “being” to me, and I understood how incredible, interesting, loving and dedicated this young man was. I even thought about him often and wondered if we would ever meet. I felt some connection to him, that surely had to do with the impression his parents made on me–but it was more than just that.
I hope you will join me in sending peace, strength and blessings to the Atkinsons. I have learned enough in this life to know this Universe has its own mysterious balance, and many events within it do not seem kind, nor just. What helps us survive all the crazy in our world is our faith, and support from others.
Jan and Jon are the co-state coordinators for the Department of Peace. (DOP) Rob worked with the Student Peace Alliance (SPA)and hoped to work for the DOP. In lieu of flowers, please, consider a donation to the SPA in Rob’s name.
For more about Rob, please visit this memorial page his frat brothers have set up.
I’m dedicating “The Battle of Evermore,” to Rob, a Led Zeppelin song inspired by LOTR The Return of the King. Beautiful lyrics.
2 Responses to “Prince of Peace–in honor”
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CAN YOU HOST A P.E.A.C.E SCOOTER BUTTON ON YOUR MYSPACE PAGE??
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THANK YOU!!
WALL OF BELIEFS
Add your own...-
Peace...
I have to borrow in part from MLK.
Peace is not the absence of tension; but the presence of balance in our lives. It's that balance that we feel when someone smiles at us from across the table as we share a meal... we experience a quiet moment that fills our heart with Hope for Humanity.
charles -
I've been asked for "my" definition of PEACE. Peace--to me--is the absence of chaos. It--is not peace between nations, continental powers, political movements. My control over those is insignificant.
Peace is you and me. It is a loving meeting of my mind and yours. It IS, in fact--love. It is thinking of you first, before me. It is caring, nurturing, supporting another. Peace and love are "action" words. I have experienced a huge amount of this love at home and away from home the past five weeks. I experienced that "peace which surpasses all understanding" while traveling and meeting people (scootering) through five states.
On my final ride, the last 50 miles home, I was overwhelmed with the feeling, the knowledge, that I had been so loved in so many ways...accepted, tolerated, fed, "coffee'd", housed, and treated as an equal among equals, no matter what.
Again, for me, "peace" and "love" are so closely related as I might think of the genetic togetherness of identical twins.
The following quote sits on the desk of a long-passed friend of mine. It was meant as a definition of "Humility". As I read, it usually produces a benignancy, replacing immediately any disturbances which found their way into my heart.
"Perpetual quietness of heart. It is to have no trouble. It is never to be fretted or vexed, irritable or sore; to wonder at nothing that is done to me, to feel nothing done against me.
"It is to be at rest when nobody praises me, and when I am blamed or despised, it is to have a blessed home in myself where I can go in and shut the door and pray to my Father in secret and be at PEACE, as in a deep sea of CALMNESS, when all around and about is seeming trouble. "
Steve E -
Peace & Unity... Only Love can set you free !
Amritesh Kala -
be cool...be respectful...be peaceful
deborah
Deborah Batcha -
peace is the science of right human relations; living in right relations with self, others and the environment; peace is not the absence of violence, nor is it the opposite of war; peace is the dynamic presence of truth, justice, and loving cooperation; peace is a world that works for everyone
Dot Maver -
peace is acknowledging the sentience of all living things and doing my best to support a climate of welcome and understanding for the place each sentient being holds on our beloved planet. I cannot force my ideas of equality on others, but I can encourage organizations and official representatives to also adopt a spirit of understanding and non-violent resolutions. I practice this idea with my sons and with all I encounter. I like to think/hope that peace is contagious. :)
Sophie in the Moonlight -
"Peace exists when different desires are in 1 agreement. when desires refuses compromise, the clash of desires can escalate to the clash of arms and clash of civilization" -Austin Bay, a nantural security specialist.
anna -
Peace is the absence of obsession. When absent objectivity blossoms and a doorway opens to connect with each other as well as with that which could not previously be seen. Work to identify obsession its root and its influence in our life and those we can care for.
d -
Peace is the alignment of the head with the heart, the heart with the head, and the spirit moving in both.
Daphne -
Even during the wrath of the myraid cosmic winds, the attacks by earthly being's desires, or the depths of eminant death and despair, one mind stays perfectly still and bright, this is everlasting peace.
mindtraining -
Peace is being left blissfully alone.
Nayagan -
Peace
"Just What It Is"
Silence,Serenity,Stillness
of Hate
Eager to Love
Accept & Relate
to Everyone
without Debate
Regardless of Race
Religion & Regulation
Peace is the Ultimate
Form of Elation!
Tammy Tuthill -
Personal peace is feeling content and happy in the moment. More difficult to obtain is the larger peace, in which everyone is able to feel this way.
Jeremy -
Virginia welcomes you and salutes you. How can we get Alix nominated as ABC News 'Person of the Week' ?
Andy -
Peace is knowing you finished this inspiring journey safely!
John A.
John Atkinson
December 21st, 2008 at 1:22 am
Thank you, Alix, for posting this tribute. I so regret you can’t meet Rob, but I think you “got” him. Jan and I are learning how to deal with this loss day by day. Nothing prepares us for this, and it’s the hardest thing we’ve ever encountered. Fortunately, we’re being held in much prayer and are surrounded by a loving family and community. I’m glad you’re a part of it. Good luck with the FSC!
John Atkinson
December 21st, 2008 at 1:28 am
fyi, I now wear the ring you see Rob wearing in the photo. He wore it on his index finger, but it fits only on my pinky. Rob was a small guy, but mighty.